The bromeliad family is large and varied. Most bromeliads are easy to grow indoors or in a greenhouse. They have attractive forms and leaf colors, many with flowers that can last for months.

Bromeliads are fairly long-lived and slow-growing blooming houseplants. Although the central plant dies after flowering, they produce "pups" that can be separated and potted up to form new plants. The central flower flowers for a very lengthy time and provides beautiful color for homes and offices. Because bromeliads are so maintenance free and do not require high levels of light, they make excellent office plants.

Most bromeliads have attractive foliage. The leaves are broad and leathery and some plants have fine and wiry leaves. Many are colorfully banded and variegated. Others have silvery gray scales covering the leaves. In many types of bromeliads the thick, broad leaves form funnel-shaped rosettes called tanks, which hold water (Aechmea Faceata). Many bromeliads also develop beautiful flowering stalks.

Bromeliads are either epiphytic or terrestrial. Epiphytic plants do not live in soil. They survive by clinging to a tree or other supports such as rocks or bark. Epiphytes are not parasites. They do not harm the host plant in any way, but merely use them for support. Epiphytes obtain all their water and mineral needs from the air. Epiphytic bromeliads can be either grown in soil or mounted on a board, branch, shell or various other surfaces. They must be firmly attached. Terrestrial bromeliads require soil for growth like most other houseplants.